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Chinese reportedly lining up for iPad Mini -- to build it, that is

According to a report out of China, thousands of people lined up at the Chengdu Foxconn facility, known for assembling Apple products, to nab a summer job.

Don Reisinger
CNET contributor Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
Don Reisinger
2 min read
Foxconn workers assembling Apple products.
Foxconn workers assembling Apple products. Apple

Foxconn's Chengdu facility was teeming with applicants this week looking to lend a hand in producing Apple's next iPad, according to a recent report.

Chinese tech site MIC Gadget reported yesterday that thousands of people were lined up outside Foxconn's Chengdu plant, where it assembles Apple products, to hopefully secure a summer job. According to MIC Gadget, Foxconn had one job requirement: all applicants must have good eyesight. MIC Gadget says that those workers are being hired to handle production of the long-rumored iPad Mini.

Although Apple hasn't provided any details on a possible iPad Mini, reports suggest that the company will be launching the device by year's end. When the iPad Mini hits store shelves, it'll come with a 7.85-inch screen and boast a price that's "significantly less than the latest $499 iPad," according to reports.

Foxconn's plant in Zhengzhou is also looking for bunches of workers, MIC Gadget is reporting. Their charge? To help produce Apple's new iPhone, which MIC Gadget's sources say, is currently in the "trial production stage." The sources told the site that just five next-generation iPhones have been produced by over 100 workers in a recent night shift. It's not immediately clear when mass production might begin.

That so many workers are so willing to sign up with Foxconn is apparently good news for the company, which came under fire earlier this year for alleged working conditions violations. Those violations, which included excessive overtime and too little pay, were brought about after Apple asked the Fair Labor Association to conduct a full audit of Foxconn facilities. After the violations were announced, Foxconn said that it would address the issues brought forth in the investigation.

CNET has contacted Foxconn for comment on the MIC Gadget report. We will update this story when we have more information.

(Via AppleInsider)